Julia Pelletier, an eighth grader at St. Agatha School in Milton, was among the six middle and high school winners of the 2010 Maryknoll Student Essay Contest. Winning entries were published in Maryknoll Magazine, which is published by the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, the overseas mission society of the U.S. Roman Catholic Church.

Pelletier won second place, a $300 cash award, in the middle school division.

The topic of the essay contest was how young people continue to spread the Good News of Christ in a world dominated by instant messaging and social networking. Over 3,500 students competed in the two divisions for nearly $3,000 in cash prizes.

From April 1 to June 30, Miramar Retreat Center in Duxbury will hold its third annual Miles for Miramar, a fundraising campaign to support the center's programs that support the community. Priests, brothers and friends of Miramar will be walking, jogging, cycling or even swimming for the cause.

Their mileage goal is 5,000 miles and the fundraising goal is $10,000. The suggested donation is $2 per mile, or whatever one's means permit.

To participate in the event or donate money, please contact Miramar Retreat Center at 781-585-2460. Please visit www.miramarretreat.org for more information.

Khaled Anatolios, a theology professor at Boston College, has been named one of seven Henry Luce III Fellows in Theology for the 2011-12 school year.

Established in 1993, the Henry Luce III Fellows in Theology are administered by the Association of Theological Schools, which accredits graduate theological education in the United States. Member institutions include Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant theology schools such as seminaries and divinity schools.

Anatolios' project, "Deification Through the Cross: An Eastern Christian Soteriology," will entail developing a manuscript about the cross's meaning in Eastern Christianity.